V70 2.4D upgrade questions

[2003bhoy]

Hi guys, having driven my S60 D5 almost into the ground i'm considering changing back to an estate. I've previously had an S40 but have got used to the luxury and power of my S60 so want to at least equal the power and economy. I've been looking at other makes but keep coming back to Volvo.

My 2003 D5 has been chipped to 225bhp but I still manage low 40's mpg when motorway cruising at about 80mph. I'm looking at a 2007 V70 which is a 2.4D engine which I understand is the same engine as the D5. If I get this chipped can I achieve the same if not better power and economy as my old S60? If so can anyone recommend a reputable tuning company in the Central belt of Scotland?

[GrantA]

When you talk about "chipping" a car I assume you are talking about remapping the ECU. I have been looking at remapping my 2009 XC70 D5 ECU and studying who appears to give the best and most reliable "service". In my opinion the 2 companies that stand out from the rest are RICA http://www.rica-uk.com/about.aspx who have an "outlet" in Edinburgh and Buckie (a bit further north!!) and Shark http://www.sharkperformance.co.uk/brands/ who have an "outlet" at West Linton in the Borders. I hasten to add that I have never used either company for any work on my car neither I am not associated with either company, my recommendations are purely based on what I have read about them and what they offer in the way of guarantees. There may be others on this Forum who have personal experience of these and other companies, do a search for "remapping ECU" and see what it throws up.

If you have had a remap already (you said you had your 2003 D5 "chipped") you will know what the pros and cons can be. You could always call either company and ask them for the telephone number of a satisfied customer and speak to someone who has dealt with them and find out exactly what their experience was. I (and no doubt others) would be interested to find out what your opinion is of either RICA or Shark products and just how good their remapping is.

[2003bhoy]

Originally Posted by GrantA

When you talk about "chipping" a car I assume you are talking about remapping the ECU. I have been looking at remapping my 2009 XC70 D5 ECU and studying who appears to give the best and most reliable "service". In my opinion the 2 companies that stand out from the rest are RICA http://www.rica-uk.com/about.aspx who have an "outlet" in Edinburgh and Buckie (a bit further north!!) and Shark http://www.sharkperformance.co.uk/brands/ who have an "outlet" at West Linton in the Borders. I hasten to add that I have never used either company for any work on my car neither I am not associated with either company, my recommendations are purely based on what I have read about them and what they offer in the way of guarantees. There may be others on this Forum who have personal experience of these and other companies, do a search for "remapping ECU" and see what it throws up.

If you have had a remap already (you said you had your 2003 D5 "chipped") you will know what the pros and cons can be. You could always call either company and ask them for the telephone number of a satisfied customer and speak to someone who has dealt with them and find out exactly what their experience was. I (and no doubt others) would be interested to find out what your opinion is of either RICA or Shark products and just how good their remapping is.

On my S60 I bought it from a guy who had remapped the ECU only a few months previous to me buying it. He was selling as he was no longer need a motorway commuter but something for around town. I still have the original documents which are from a company in the Dumfries area and it was a Ricca tune, I would recommend again. I have used it mainly for long distance commuting and it is ideal for that. With the remap a lot of torque can be found at the top end from about 60mph and above the acceleration is great without even having to drop a gear. The fuel consumption is great for a big car at high speeds but a lot lower around town, although I am aware that the OBC is not wholly accurate.

The main questions I now have are; is there a big difference between the newer 2.4D and D5 engines and whether the ECU remap can have a similar effect on the 2.4D as I experienced?

[cloggers]

Originally Posted by 2003bhoy

The main questions I now have are; is there a big difference between the newer 2.4D and D5 engines and whether the ECU remap can have a similar effect on the 2.4D as I experienced?

Up until the 2009 introduction of the bi-turbo Euro5 D5 and the Euro 5 2.4D with a single turbo and 175ps they were virtually identical.

There have been a few posts on the forum hinting at the fact that there isn't much headroom left in the D5 (broken police engines etc) and as such the 2.4D lends itself better to tuning.

I have now driven 20.000 miles with my 2.4D running a 240ps Rica tune. Works very well and the difference is very noticeable! I would advise you get the tuning box gizmo with it so you can replace the Rica map after you take it to the dealer. Once they install new firmware you loose the Rica settings.

[2003bhoy]

Originally Posted by cloggers

Up until the 2009 introduction of the bi-turbo Euro5 D5 and the Euro 5 2.4D with a single turbo and 175ps they were virtually identical.

There have been a few posts on the forum hinting at the fact that there isn't much headroom left in the D5 (broken police engines etc) and as such the 2.4D lends itself better to tuning.

I have now driven 20.000 miles with my 2.4D running a 240ps Rica tune. Works very well and the difference is very noticeable! I would advise you get the tuning box gizmo with it so you can replace the Rica map after you take it to the dealer. Once they install new firmware you loose the Rica settings.

Thank, just the sort of info I was looking for. What's the tuning box gizmo and how much extra does this cost?

Is your's a Geartronic version as I would like to know if it is worth having this done or just search for a manual?

[GrantA]

Originally Posted by 2003bhoy

The main questions I now have are; is there a big difference between the newer 2.4D and D5 engines and whether the ECU remap can have a similar effect on the 2.4D as I experienced?

Found this when I did a search, it comes from this Forum in 2008 and should help a bit with your decision: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=62945

[cloggers]

Originally Posted by 2003bhoy

Thank, just the sort of info I was looking for. What's the tuning box gizmo and how much extra does this cost?

Is your's a Geartronic version as I would like to know if it is worth having this done or just search for a manual?

Have a look at the Rica website. This will tell you how much they can tune each variety / modelyear engine and how the box works. All tuners do a similar thing to what they do, which one you choose will depend on where they sell it and what you feel suits you best I guess.


Mine is a Geartronic car and if I am not mistaken they do something with the shift settings on this to, but I am not sure. It feels faster when shifting anyway.

I got mine done becuae it increased power from 175 to 240; that is a lot. If all you get is 10 or 15hp then I would advise you don't bother with it...

[spriest]

I've been looking at the Rica upgrade for my 2.4D. Only thing that's put me off is DirectLine wanting an extra £120 per year with the mod fitted as the power increase is greater than 10%.

Steve

[cloggers]

Originally Posted by spriest

I've been looking at the Rica upgrade for my 2.4D. Only thing that's put me off is DirectLine wanting an extra £120 per year with the mod fitted as the power increase is greater than 10%.

I am happy I did it, but I intend to keep the car for 5 years so I can spread out the cost. And I get insurance from my boss anyway...

If you keep the car for a longer period and like to overtake a bit more and a bit safer I would take the £120 a year extra on the chin...